2008 BMW 523 vs. 2005 Mazda Marathon
To start off, 2008 BMW 523 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda Marathon. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda Marathon would be higher. At 2,497 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 BMW 523 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 BMW 523 (175 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2005 Mazda Marathon. (104 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 BMW 523 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda Marathon. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda Marathon weights approximately 27 kg more than 2008 BMW 523.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2008 BMW 523 (230 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 56 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda Marathon. (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 BMW 523 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda Marathon.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 BMW 523 | 2005 Mazda Marathon | |
| Make | BMW | Mazda |
| Model | 523 | Marathon |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Van |
| Engine Size | 2497 cc | 2260 cc |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.8 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 8.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 10 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1517 kg |
| Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 76 L |
